Your Local Voice
Reporting What Matters Most
We cover the issues that impact our community, ensuring everyone is heard.
About East of 52
About East of 52
East of 52 is an independent digital newsroom dedicated to telling the stories that shape East County, San Diego.
We believe journalism should be more than headlines — it should provide context, accountability, and a clear view of how local decisions affect everyday life. Our reporting brings together investigative depth and community focus, covering schools, city councils, growth and development, safety, and the policies that define our region.
Our Approach
Independent: We’re not backed by big media or special interests. Our loyalty is to readers and the truth.
Investigative: We go beyond press releases, digging into public records, financial audits, and community voices to uncover what matters.
Community-driven: From neighborhood safety to city planning, we focus on issues that directly affect East County residents.
Accessible: We aim to deliver news that’s clear, factual, and useful — not jargon-filled or hidden behind paywalls.
East of 52 proudly covers news within the Santee, El Cajon, Lakeside, Casa De Oro-Mt. Helix, Rancho San Diego, Crest, Harbison Canyon, Alpine, Jamul, Dehesa, Flinn Springs, Bostonia, Granite Hills, Blossom Valley, Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, and La Presa.
Our coverage Area
What’s in a Name?
East of 52 isn’t just a direction on a map — it’s a statement of identity.
Interstate 52 has long been seen as a dividing line in San Diego. To the west: the coast, the city, the spotlight. To the east: the foothills, valleys, and communities that are just as vital, but too often overlooked by larger media.
We chose the name East of 52 to make it clear where our focus lies. This is the side of San Diego where small towns meet big challenges — where school boards, city councils, and local decisions ripple through everyday life. It’s where ranches, suburbs, and mountain communities shape the character of the region.
By putting “East of 52” front and center, we’re putting East County on the record. Our job is to ensure the people and places east of the freeway are seen, heard, and represented with the depth they deserve.
Why It Matters
Local news is disappearing across the country. When coverage fades, accountability weakens — and communities are left in the dark. East of 52 exists to make sure East County has a voice, a watchdog, and a platform for the issues that matter most.
By reporting with accuracy, persistence, and independence, we aim to build something lasting: a trusted source of news for East County today and for the years ahead.